1959 Velocette 499cc Venom, Registration no. XSL 730 (see text) Frame no. RS13362 Engine no. VM3509

Important Collectors' Motorcycles and Spares
1959 Velocette 499cc Venom
Registration no. XSL 730 (see text)
Frame no. RS13362
Engine no. VM3509
Introduced in 1956, the Venom sports roadster was derived from the touring MSS. The latter disappeared from the range in 1948, re-appearing in 1954 with a new swinging-arm frame and telescopic fork. The engine too was up-dated, changing to 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 86x86mm and gaining an alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. Engine development pursued as part of the scrambles programme bore fruit in 1956 in the shape of the high-performance Venom and its 350cc sibling, the Viper. The MSS frame and forks were retained for the newcomers, but full-width alloy hubs were adopted to boost braking power and smart chromed mudguards fitted to enhance the models' sporting image. Produced until the end of Velocette production in 1971, the Venom represents the final glorious flowering of the traditional British sports single, and today these supremely well engineered thoroughbreds are highly sought after.

This Venom was purchased in 2001 from the well-known specialist dealer, Andy Tiernan, by an Italian collector and has resided in Italy ever since (sales invoice on file). Accordigly, prospective bidders should satisfy themselves in relation to the possibility of reclaiming the original registration number. The private vendor describes the machine as un-restored, and advises us that it was last used very recently. Accompanying documentation consists of an old-style V5 registration Certificate and the aforementioned sales invoice.